Karl Albrecht

What people wore

Inherited silk festive clothing of wealthy families

Merchant and wealthy peasant women cherished festive clothing made from thick silk fabrics like satin and brocade, which were passed down through generations. These colorful, expensive garments were often adorned with large, bright floral patterns that reflected a blend of European trends and traditional folk art.

Getting around

River crossings and ferry delays

Travel was often interrupted by river crossings, where passengers and carriages relied on slow ferries, leading to significant delays and occasional hazards like the loss of cargo or baggage.

At the table

Daily Sour Cabbage Soup

Shchi, a soup made from sour cabbage, onions, and beef or mutton, was a daily meal, often served with sour cream on non-fasting days.

Music

Social work-based gatherings for youth

In urban areas, young people gathered for work-related social events like kapustki, where they engaged in cabbage chopping followed by singing and dancing once the older generation left the room. These gatherings served as important occasions for unmarried youth to socialize and choose a marriage partner.

Daily life

Wooden homes and new urban layouts

In the late 18th century, ordinary urban houses were built of wood, which created a constant risk of devastating fires across entire neighborhoods. New urban houses began to feature central corridors instead of the traditional layout where rooms were arranged directly around a central stove.

What it cost

Food prices in St. Petersburg

In 1793, a pound of beef cost 9 kopecks in St. Petersburg, while a pair of chickens cost 80 kopecks.